IN WAKE OF BUDGET RULING, TUTUNJIAN CALLS FOR CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION TO CONVENE

(Troy – December 29, 2009) Mayor Harry Tutunjian applauded the decision of Supreme Court Justice John Egan upholding the city’s position that the Troy City Council enacted an illegal budget.

“There are no winners in this case,” said Mayor Tutunjian. “It is clear that the city’s budget must be balanced and the City Council Majority’s actions did not do that. Sadly, they argued for a larger tax increase.”

The larger tax increase references City Council attorney Michael Derevlany’s position that if the court found the amended budget proposed by the City Council to be invalid, then they – the City Council – supported reinstatement of the original budget of October 1, which called for a 4.25% tax increase. Essentially, the City Council Majority were arguing for the higher tax increase if the Judge rule their budget invalid, which he did.

Tutunjian went on to note that he agreed with Judge Egan’s statement that this issue was not one that belonged in a courtroom setting. The City Council enacted last minute, surprise changes to a budget they previously agreed to, which created this whole scenario.

“This whole scenario validates what I’ve been saying all along: that if there were one person in charge that I could work with, we’d all be much better off,” noted Mayor Tutunjian. “The problem is they let politics and personal vendettas drive their decisions and I’m afraid that those things will severely hamper the city’s progress.”

On the heels of the judge’s decision declaring the City to be granted the budget it sought, Tutunjian stated he will forming a Charter Review Commission.

“In light of recent challenges and questions about Mayoral and City Council authority it is necessary to clearly enumerate the powers of the legislative and executive branches of city government, including the budgetary and administrative duties,” said Tutunjian.

Among the topics to be considered:

Clarifying the manner in which special meetings are called. There is confusing language in the Charter. In October, Councilman Bill Dunne called for consecutive special meetings in the evening thereby blocking any attempt at having the City Council vote on legislation related to voter fraud.

Clarifying the manner in which budget amendments are to be proposed at the annual Special Meeting convened for the purpose of voting on city’s budget. This year, the City Council proposed 11th hour amendments to the City’s spending plan that the public was not made aware of or able to comment on. As a result, the City Council passed an unbalanced budget resulting in the aforementioned litigation.

“This is not a partisan issue, but a serious one that requires the clarification of the Charter in a bipartisan manner,” Tutunjian said. “It is my hope that the Commission will look at all the city’s laws, not only the duties and powers of each branch of government. The Commission is to make sure Troy is being governed by laws that are clear and current with the city’s needs.”

Residents interested in being considered for the Commission are encouraged to submit a letter explaining their interest. They can be dropped off in person or mailed to the new Mayor’s Office located at 1776 6th Ave, faxed to 270-4609, or emailed to MayorsOffice@troyny.gov.

Tutunjian’s previous Charter Commission offered positions to elected members of the Democrats.

Why does the Mayor have to lie, tell half truths and attempt to mislead the public with his press releases.

The Myyor knows hinself that the Council Majority’s Attorney Derevalany was not arguing for the Mayor’s original 4% tax increase budget to be reinstated but was merely making a point to the Judge against it and arguing that the Council’s lower tax inxrease should to be accepted. That’s all part of being a good attorney arguing at trial. To twist is out of context is juvinile.

Sorry Mayor but Trojans are not as stupid as you think to accept your smoke and mirrors argument. Trying to confuse Trojans by this press relaease is nothing but another Troy embarasment in the public areana.

On the Charter Commission it is hoped that any Charter Commission will have bipartisian members but don’t hold your breath–it will probaly be conprised of only his hand-picked members so he can consolidate his power and protect his political appointees like he did last time. Wonder if Bobby Mirch will head it up.